It’s Like a Dream Come True!
Guillermo Flores Pacheco: The First Mexican Artist to Design a Photoshop Splash Screen
"It’s like a dream come true!" declares Mexican artist Guillermo Flores Pacheco when I ask how it felt to be the first artist from his country to be asked to design a Photoshop splash screen.
The Adobe Project
When Adobe invited me to create the artwork for the Photoshop splash screen, they asked me a question that resonated very strongly within me: What does Dreaming look like to you?
I wanted to create something that was really meaningful to me, that when I saw it, it reminded me that it is possible to achieve your dreams. We often believe that magical things can’t happen to us and we often limit ourselves, but dreaming gives us the enormous possibility to go beyond any circumstance and gives us hope.
Using AI in Digital Art
The interesting thing about AI is that it is a tool, that to take full advantage of it, you must know the specific reference and be very specific in what you want to achieve. As I mentioned earlier, when I can’t find a super specific image (such as a particular animal, plant or element) AI is a great tool to get it. My technique is a mix between collage, illustration, editing and digital retouching so I’ve figured out how to balance it so far.
Influences and Style
Definitely the nature and vibrancy of my culture, the cultural manifestations of my country by Mexican artisans are handcrafted with so much attention to detail that definitely have a lot to do with what I do.
Advice for New Artists
Hard work and perseverance will always pay off, this year I celebrated 20 years as a graphic designer and I have learned something, I think it is very important to respect every project no matter what, remember that you are being part of someone else’s dream and deserve all our respect.
Photoshop Tools
I use the Polygonal Lasso tool to select elements, also the Pen tool to isolate the elements very carefully (shapes/paths), I’m old school and I like to do it in a handmade way. I also use the brush tool to create glows and shadows (digital retouching), as well as the "transform tools" to edit the images.
Photoshop Advice
Guillermo shares his five tips for getting started in Photoshop and improving your illustration:
- I love art history and learning about it every day, so with Firefly you must document and research to make your prompt as specific as possible, for example I really like the style of botanical illustration that was done in the 19th century, so you need to know what it looks like, who are the most relevant artists, etc.
- I’m a fan of the tutorials on Youtube and Instagram, however over the years I have learned to use the software in my own way, so if you have a way to get what you are looking for keep at it, BUT listen, you must also be open to optimize your processes and learn how to make it more efficient.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts. Trust me, you will save hours of work.
- Customize your work interface, add or remove the tools you use all the time.
- ALWAYS SAVE! Do it every five minutes, make it a habit.
Conclusion
Guillermo’s artwork is a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. His use of AI and traditional digital techniques has resulted in a unique and captivating style that is sure to inspire many. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Guillermo’s advice and tips are sure to help you improve your skills and achieve your creative goals.
FAQs
Q: What inspired your artwork for the Photoshop splash screen?
A: The question "What does Dreaming look like to you?" resonated strongly with me and inspired me to create something meaningful and hopeful.
Q: How do you balance traditional digital techniques with AI?
A: I use AI as a tool to get specific elements that I can’t find otherwise, and then I balance it with my own traditional digital techniques to create a unique style.
Q: What advice would you give to new artists?
A: Hard work and perseverance will always pay off, respect every project no matter what, and always save your work!
